COVID-19 update - 25 March 2020

25 March 2020

Government advice as of today is that building and construction remains an essential service and is open for business.

^{This COVID-19 member update is unlocked and free to all in the interests of the building and construction industry. Did you know members have exclusive access to information and our team of experts who are on hand to assist in a range of ways? Need more specific COVID-19 advice relating to contracts, WHS, employment conditions or the relief measures? Members can contact us or learn how to join so you can speak with our experts and get free advice.}

*Due to the changing nature of COVID-19, this information may no longer be correct. Please check state and federal government information for up-to-date guidance.

Border shutdown

Builders and tradies are exempt from the Queensland border shutdown measures when travelling for work. More information is expected to come regarding the evidence for travel that you’ll need, such as a sticker or permit.

Display homes

Following last night's announcement that real estate inspections should not occur, we have sought advice regarding display homes. At this stage, display homes may remain open, but visits must be by appointment only. Master Builders Display Villages are already following this process, but if you have your own display home, you must follow this rule stringently.

Lobbying hard

Our priority is to keep members up-to-date with the information they need, but just as importantly, we are lobbying for the building and construction industry to remain an essential resource and open for business. We are acutely aware of how important this is.

We're also currently talking with the Queensland Government and the QBCC regarding delaying the latest round of BIF laws and taking the focus off MFR reporting compliance and focusing on helping the industry through this time.

Safety and hygiene measures are vital

It's absolutely vital that as an industry we demonstrate how serious we are about adhering to the social distancing and hygiene requirements on site. It's our ability as an industry to meet these measures that will keep us open.

Hygiene practices

You need to take actions to reduce the risk of transmission. We've got tips on practicing good hygiene - provision of sanitisers, limiting sharing of tools and equipment, increasing routine cleaning and disinfecting are just a few.

There's a range of health resources and materials, including posters, videos and fact sheets that you can use to educate your workers.

Social distancing

You must also plan ways to enable physical distancing of 1.5m to reduce in-person contact of workers. Practices to employ are scheduling of work to provide distance, minimise numbers in work groups and staggering of lunch breaks.

Equipment shortages

If you are finding it difficult to source respiratory masks, please contact us for guidance on other respiratory protection options that may be available.

We can also provide advice on:

Communicating and keeping your staff up-to-date on all actions being taken
What to do if someone contracts COVID-19.

Contact us for more information or specific advice and guidance

Relief measures

Governments of all levels have relief and economic packages and measures you can access, in particular small business.

Whether it be cash flow boosts for employers, wage subsidies for apprentices, instant asset write-offs, tax relief, interest free loans and payroll tax deferrals, or waiving of council fees and charges, there is lots of relief already available.

Also talk to your accountant about cashflow options, such as deferring ATO payments, PAYG instalment variations and taking advantage of other relief measures.

Information you need

We've got the information you need on:

Help and advice

As usual, our staff are here to help. Whether you've got a question about protecting your business contractually, an employment or a health and safety question, our specialists are here and available to talk you through the options - get in touch.

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